Calculation of a Climate Change Vulnerability Index for Nakdong Watersheds Considering Non-Point Pollution Sources

Abstract

As a response to climate change, South Korea has established its third National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (2021–2025) alongside the local governments’ plans. In this study, proxy variables in 22 sub-watersheds of the Nakdong River, Korea were used to investigate climate exposure, sensitivity, adaptive capacity, and non-point pollution in sub-watersheds, a climate change vulnerability index (CCVI) was established, and the vulnerability of each sub-watershed in the Nakdong River was evaluated. Climate exposure was highest in the Nakdong Estuary sub-watershed (75.5–81.7) and lowest in the Geumhogang sub-watershed (21.1–28.1). Sensitivity was highest (55.7) in the Nakdong Miryang sub-watershed and lowest (19.6) in the Habcheon dam sub-watershed. Adaptive capacity and the resulting CCVI were highest in the Geumhogang sub-watershed (96.2 and 66.2–67.9, respectively) and lowest in the Wicheon sub-watershed (2.61 and 18.5–20.4, respectively), indicating low and high vulnerabilities to climate change, respectively. The study revealed that the high CCVI sensitivity was due to adaptive capacity. These findings can help establish rational climate change response plans for regional water resource management. To assess climate change vulnerability more accurately, regional bias can be prevented by considering various human factors, including resources, budget, and facilities.

Possible Change in Distribution Areas of Abies in Kastamonu due to Global Climate Change

“…The present study employed SSP 126, SSP 370, and SSP 585 scenarios. Among these scenarios, SSP 126 is a scenario, in which sustainable development proceeds very rapidly, inequalities reduce, technological advancements are rapid, and environmentfriendly processes such as low-carbon energy resources and high land productivity are preferred (Kim & Kwon, 2022). According to its radiative forcing pathway, the SSP 126 reflects the low emission scenario and predicts a warming of less than 2°C by 2100 (Wu et al, 2022).…”

“…In this scenario, a relatively rapid technological advancement is projected for low-carbon energy resources in main emission regions and a relatively higher level of decrease in places that are important for global emissions. In addition, it is projected that development would be slowed in other regions, that inequalities would remain at high levels, and that these regions would have difficulty in adapting to climate changes (Kim & Kwon, 2022).…”

“…In this scenario, it is projected that energy demand would be high and this demand would be met mainly by using carbon-based fuels. It is foreseen that the investments in alternative energy technologies would be at low levels but economic development would be relatively faster, resources would be distributed more fairly, stronger institutions and lower population growth rates would be achieved, and there would be a less vulnerable world, which can better adapt to climatic effects (Kim & Kwon, 2022).…”

Identifying Factors to Develop and Validate Social Vulnerability to Floods in Malaysia: A Systematic Review Study

“…Each disaster requires a tailored approach for an effective mitigation and response. Accordingly, higher-risk areas receive greater attention and allocation of state resources to ensure comprehensive protection [46,87]. In the context of flood management, the flood vulnerability matrix serves as a valuable tool to guide suitable actions.…”